Liverpool and Arsenal, planning to build on their recent
summer transfers, have both seen offers for 17-year old midfielder
Aaron Ramsey rejected by Cardiff City.
Both offers, said to be close to £5m, were deemed
unsuitable by the FA Cup finalists as a large part of the deals
were based on provisions dependant on the teenager's development.
Cardiff are looking for a more sizeable cash settlement up front
before they release their prize asset.
It is expected that both Liverpool and Arsenal will
respond with improved financial packages after hearing the Welsh
club's demands, but their initial reluctance to stump up cash early
on will invite other clubs into the bidding arena. Tottenham
Hotspur have been monitoring Ramsay for some time, while Aston
Villa and Everton are in the market for a promising midfielder.
Despite rejecting early offers for Ramsey, Cardiff are
reconciled to losing the teenager, even though he has two years
remaining on his contract. There is little chance that the club
will attempt to extend his deal; instead, appropriate recompense is
now their priority.
As for Ramsey, being offered such an array of
destinations could have its problems. At this stage in his career
he will be looking for first team opportunities, which could be
limited should he sign for a Premier League club such as
Arsenal.
Some reports suggest that one proposal being tabled is
the option of Ramsey signing to a Premier League club, but then
remaining on loan in Wales to gain valuable first team experience
as he attempts to build on last season's progress.
He made 21 appearances for Cardiff last season, and has
just featured at international level after Wales manager John
Toshack brought him into the Wales squad for this week's friendlies
in Iceland and Holland.
Ramsey's potential is in no doubt. He has already been
linked to Manchester United and Harry Redknapp was understood to be
impressed with the teenager's performances in the FA Cup. Ramsey
featured as a substitute at Wembley, but it was his semi-final
performance against Barnsley that won him wide recognition.